"My life changed dramatically": Tiafoe looks back on experience reaching US Open semi-finals

Frances Tiafoe has been making noise on the ATP circuit over the past year, highlighted by a surprise but emotional run to the 2022 US Open semifinals.

The 25-year old American is currently playing at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, where he has reached the semifinals by defeating Great Britain's Cameron Norrie. When asked about his current form and season highlights, Tiafoe was positive and full of confidence.

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"My game was always there, I was one of the first guys to make quarters at a Slam, at a young age," reflected Tiafoe. "Learning how to handle it was different, for me. I feel like I had a lot of expectations on me at a young age, and I didn’t really know how to handle it. I didn’t really know how to take it on.

"But now I have a good team around me and I’m just comfortable with who I am, I’m comfortable with my game and just confident overall."

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The Maryland native stated the newfound fame forced him to make some changes in his life, but added his main goal was to remain competitive on the ATP circuit.

"My life changed dramatically [from the US Open], from the things I’m doing, from the deals I’ve had," he added. "Rooms I’ve been in. You literally turn a celebrity overnight just because of that win over Rafa [in the round of 16, en route to a semifinal]. That day especially, it changed my life.

"Again, I’m older, I’ve been through the bad times, so I’ve been able to take it for what it was, and I’m cool with it. It’s not getting into my head. Tennis is still the main thing and I just want to be out here winning tennis matches."